Winter Lord: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 353 Alchemy Creation
“Don’t be nervous,” Louis smiled, his gaze sweeping over the notes and bottles. “Could you tell me about your research over the past month? I’d like to hear it from you.”

Merian took a deep breath, his fingertips trembling slightly on the pages of his notebook.

He had memorized almost every recipe, but he still couldn't help feeling nervous when he had to describe them to the lord and the others.

Several alchemy apprentices pushed in a cart displaying various reagents and small instruments, with a faint glow in the glass bottles and sealed samples in the metal boxes.

The apprentices were almost trembling with respect, their eyes filled with anticipation for their master and deep affection for Louis.

Merian looked at the row of familiar yet unfamiliar tools, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he whispered, "I... I'll begin."

Louis smiled faintly: "Relax, don't be nervous."

So Merian placed the three materials and several finished bottles on the table: Shadowmoss spores, Soul-Eating Lizard fragments, and Soul Vine Dew.

"These are the core ingredients. Shadow Moss amplifies the echoes of memories, Soul Devouring Crystal can disrupt the memory spectrum, and Soul Vine Dew acts as a stabilizer, preventing the torn mind from collapsing."

Then I picked up a small, dark silver bottle. The liquid inside flowed slowly, reflecting iridescent light under the light.

"This is the finished product, Heart Abyss Temptation Mist. After it is dispersed in the form of mist, it can cause the target to fall into fragmented memory flashbacks and consciousness confusion, language system disorder, and mental defenses to weaken."

When combined with interrogation techniques, it can force subjects to reveal their subconscious truths in a very short time.

He then picked up a long, thin syringe, the syringe filled with a slightly glossy liquid.

"This one is the Heart-Eating Needle, an injectable nodule agent. After injection, it will briefly open the subject's compliance window."

Enhancing the authenticity of verbal and memory responses without causing fatal harm is a key part of standardized interrogation procedures.

Louis leaned over and took another thin document.

The apprentice carefully explained: "Sir, last week we conducted preliminary verification on that group of captured pirates. The main purpose of the verification was interrogation and information extraction."

The results showed that the atomized acupuncture could cause language confusion and memory fragmentation within ten minutes, and the information output rate increased significantly after the core individual was injected with the acupuncture needle.

No fatalities were reported, but several patients subsequently experienced persistent auditory hallucinations and short-term memory loss, requiring further treatment.

Louis's gaze swept across the pages; the table neatly listed the details of the experiment:

Test subjects: captured pirates; dosage: low-concentration nebulization and a tube of venomous needle.

Interrogation window: Information output rate increased by about 70%, and accuracy reached 85%.

Duration: 8–20 minutes.

Behavioral side effects: language disruption, loss of orientation, and short-term memory loss.

Follow-up actions: mandatory psychological rehabilitation and cross-verification of statements...

After reading it, Louis pondered for a moment: "If used against enemy generals or the core of a rebellion, this kind of tactic can directly dismantle the chain of command."

It should be included as a formal option for intelligence gathering and interrogation, but strict procedures and accountability mechanisms must be established for its use.

Hilko had made similar attempts with similar materials before, but because his talent leaned towards impact-based magic explosion bombs, the finished products were crude and prone to backlash, making them difficult to use.

Louis was both surprised and delighted that Merian had achieved what he had in just one month.

Louis closed the report: "Immediately archive the samples and data from the pirate experiments and establish a special approval panel. Any practical application must be authorized by me."

Merian nodded quickly upon hearing this, and the alchemy apprentices also hurriedly agreed, "Yes."

Next, Merian put on a pair of thin protective gloves and moved cautiously.

He took a bottle of pale green liquid from a refrigerator, inside which floated tiny vine-like flakes that looked as if they were bathed in moonlight.

"This is a purified extract of Soul Vine Dew." He held the bottle up to the light, and the light filtered through the bottle, casting faint spots of light on the table.

The Soul Vine Dew possesses an extremely strong magical energy circulation ability, capable of stimulating the natural reconstruction of battle qi meridians. When fused with the scale powder of the Fire Scale Viper in a specific ratio...

The generated Soul Scale Restoration Liquid can rapidly repair battle aura and bloodlines, as well as minor injuries. Injected on the battlefield, a knight can recover approximately 40% of their battle aura and alleviate muscle tears in a short time.

Then the apprentices pushed over another cart, and Merian gestured to an assistant to take out a reagent of a darker color; the liquid swirled in the tube like a dark stream in a deep forest.

"This is a concentrated version of the Spirit Source Reconstruction Agent, which adds the catalytic enzyme of the Snow Scorpion Bile to the Soul Vine Dew."

It can significantly accelerate the penetration rate and tissue repair efficiency. It is especially effective for patients who have suffered magical burns or severe trauma.

He applied a drop of the Spirit Source Reconstruction Agent to the simulated skin layer of the mouse's wound.

Blue-green light patterns spread like tiny rivers, and the scorched epidermis slowly closed under the microscope, with traces of fiber reorganization beginning to appear within minutes.

The apprentices watching couldn't help but hold their breath.

“This type of reagent has a clear advantage in dealing with red tides: the raw materials are readily available and inexpensive,” Merian added in a low voice.

"The Soul Vine thrives in the highlands of the Northern Territory, and although the Fire Scale Viper is a dangerous creature, its scales and body fluids can be continuously collected and processed around the Red Tide. In other words, mass production does not depend on freight from the south."

Louis reached out and took the bottle: "This will change our rescue and battlefield endurance. Frontline medical personnel can use it to shorten the recovery time of wounded soldiers and even maintain the Knights' fighting strength in short-range combat."

Merian smiled under the light, a hint of shyness in his eyes: "I will continue to improve the stability of the formula to ensure that it does not lose its activity during long-term storage."

Louis nodded and affirmed, "These can be mass-produced directly. Set up production lines, establish quality control and tracking systems, and prioritize supplies for the front lines and rescue units."

He withdrew his gaze, his eyes filled with unprecedented approval. "Very good. This way, we have both more intelligent interrogation tools and logistical support to maintain our combat effectiveness."

Finally, Merian slowly opened the silver-gray sealed box.

Cool air escaped from the gaps, and pale blue vines meandered in the soft light, their sap sparkling like ice crystals.

The temperature in the air seemed to drop suddenly, and even the light from the lamps seemed colder.

“Frostleaf Vine,” he said softly, almost as if chanting a spell. “Its sap can stabilize magical fluctuations and suppress mania and anger. In the North, it is one of the most precious resources. I didn’t expect that Crimson Tide Territory would cultivate so many of them.”

Merian took out a narrow-necked bottle, the vine sap inside shimmering with a soft blue-white light.

"This is Frostleaf Tranquilizer. When atomized, it can create a calming field in a short time, quickly calming raging monsters and suppressing the effect of mass rage."

Merian placed the bottle on the tray, then took out a syringe slightly thicker than a finger, the needle wrapped with fine silver thread, the liquid shimmering with a crystal blue luster.

“And this is an enhanced injectable reagent, a frost-controlled injection.” He paused, then looked up at Louis.

"When used in conjunction with the rhythmic talisman and the miniature sound field inducer, the compliance effect can be amplified after injection, enabling the controlled animal to obey commands and act smoothly within a limited time."

He gestured to his assistant to prepare for a demonstration.

The isolation barrier descended, and a young magical beast was fixed to a transparent platform, trembling slightly.

Merian operated the syringe, slowly injecting half a tube of reagent into its neck, and then attached a thin metal talisman to its fur.

As the nearby induction device activated, slight ripples appeared in the air.

The cub's breathing gradually calmed, and the light of fear in its eyes faded, replaced by an eerie calm.

It obediently lowered its body, as if guided by an invisible will. "When the injection and inducer are used together, the animal will enter a controlled training window," Merian said, his tone still restrained.

"Aggression is suppressed, and the ability to learn and respond to specific commands is significantly enhanced. The effects last for about an hour and do not cause any burden on the organs."

Louis approached to observe, his gaze sweeping over the still young beast, and said in a low voice, "This will not only reduce casualties, but also allow us to directly incorporate magical beasts into our combat operations."

If controllable training units are established at the front lines, the Red Tide Legion's mobility will be greatly enhanced.

Louis looked at the calmed cub and smiled slightly: "Well done, Merian. Your results far exceeded expectations."

Merian was momentarily at a loss for words and could only bow awkwardly.

Louis suddenly asked, "Can you imagine what would happen if this reagent were used on larger magical beasts, such as frost giants?"

Merian paused, remained silent for a few seconds, and then cautiously replied, "Theoretically... it's possible, but no one has ever tried it. The dosage might need to be increased by more than ten times, and the induction field would also need to be strengthened, otherwise it would be difficult to cover that body size. The risk is extremely high."

Louis chuckled, a chilling undertone in his smile: "Then let's give it a try."

Merian's expression changed slightly, and he hesitated before whispering, "But... there are no similar samples of Frost Giants here. Without physical experiments..."

“It will be available in a while,” Louis interrupted him.

Merian paused, not yet fully understanding the young lord's meaning.

Louis then changed the subject: "Besides these, are there any other achievements?"

“Nothing for now…” Merian shook his head subconsciously, then hurriedly added, “But I have a few ideas.”

For example, the Inspiration Detection Emblem, crafted from the spiritual essence of Shadowmoss, can detect lurking magical energy waves. There's also the Chill Breath Amulet, treated with cold-extracted Firescale Viper venom glands, which can suppress magical energy combustion.

He paused, his voice trembling slightly: "These are all still in their infancy. If I could have a few more months, the Red Tide alchemy system would be completely different."

Louis silently surveyed the neatly arranged bottles and jars on the lab table, marveling at the radiance. In just one month, this alchemist had achieved such remarkable results.

He whispered, “Very good, Merian. You’ve turned waste into wealth.”

Louis raised his hand, and the servants behind him brought in a heavy wooden box. The lid was opened, and the gold coins gleamed under the lamplight. It weighed several thousand coins.

“This is a reward for you,” Louis said calmly. “Your research is enough to change the landscape of red tides.”

Merian's eyes widened; he had clearly never seen such a large amount of money before.

Having been imprisoned in a laboratory since childhood, he hardly understood the significance of these gold coins, but he still understood that it was a great blessing.

He immediately knelt down and bowed, saying, "Thank you, sir! Thank you!"

Louis reached out to help him up, his voice still calm: "No need. Just continue doing what you're good at."

After Louis left, the laboratory returned to silence.

Merian was still somewhat dazed, seemingly not yet fully recovered.

He only snapped out of his daze and let out a breath when his assistant came forward and gently reminded him.

He glanced at the gleaming golden box and suddenly said to the alchemy apprentices beside him, "Each of you go and grab a handful of gold coins."

A collective gasp filled the air.

The apprentices looked at each other, then their faces showed extreme shock.

That's real money, almost equivalent to their salaries for several years.

Once they were certain that Merian was not joking, the young alchemy apprentices' eyes gleamed with fervor.

They rushed toward the wooden box with almost fanatical excitement, each grabbing a handful of gold coins, unable to hold them all but still reluctant to let go.

Laughter and exclamations mingled together, and the entire laboratory was bathed in warm, noisy light.

The apprentices bowed deeply to Merian, their words filled with respect and gratitude.

Some people even had tears in their eyes and thanked him repeatedly.

Merian watched their genuine joy and felt a long-lost sense of satisfaction well up inside him.

This feeling of being respected and trusted was something I had never experienced before in the Bichao Guild.

That evening, he personally carried the box of gold coins back to his residence, a small three-story building near the workshop.

The moonlight slanted in through the window, reflecting off the golden gleam of the box, making him almost afraid to look directly at it.

Merian carefully placed the box in a corner of the room, sat on the edge of the bed, and looked at the flickering light.

He didn't actually know the true purpose of these gold coins, but he knew in his heart that they belonged to him.

The respect, rewards, and warmth he received here were things the Bichao Guild had never given him.

Red Tide City, this wasteland in the north, is far better than the Federation.

Merian finally felt that he could finally settle down.

…………

The morning mist of the second day had not yet dissipated.

Merian awoke to a knock on the door, and a servant respectfully informed him, "My lord, Lord Louis requests your presence in the outer city."

He hurriedly put on his coat and followed the servants into the carriage.

The wheels rolled over the stone road, making a low, grinding sound. The streetscape gradually changed from a neat commercial district to a deserted military zone, with a howling wind and the smell of blood and snow in the air.

When the carriage stopped, he found himself standing in a huge open space in the outer city of Red Tide Territory.

A drill enclosed by iron bars

Merian instinctively clutched the notebook in his arms, and the moment he looked up, he froze.

In that white expanse, dozens of frost giants were bound by thick chains, the rings digging deep into their flesh, arranged in a neat row.

Each one was several meters tall, with a dull and suppressed light flashing in its eyes, and occasionally a slight growl would come from deep in its throat, mixed with the sound of metal scraping.

Merian's mind went blank, with Louis's words from last night, "It will be here in a while," echoing in his ears.

He watched this shocking scene, never imagining that his words would become a reality overnight.

That row of towering shadows, as large as mountains, made him question the meaning of life.

Who exactly is Louis, and what kind of power does he possess to capture dozens of frost giants in a single night?

A cold wind swept across his cheeks, and his fingers trembled slightly.

(End of this chapter)